Fryern Funtasia 2014: Marie Curie for Betty Heath

Betty Heath was 97 years old when she passed away on 29th January 2014.

Yesterday, the younger generations of Betty’s family, who all live in Chandler’s Ford, were raising money for Marie Curie at the Fryern Funtasia in Chandler’s Ford.

I met them and they have a moving story to tell.

Why did they raise fund for Marie Curie?

The great great niece of Betty Heath said it well here:

“The reason we are all raising money for Marie Curie is to give forward to other families after all Marie Curie did for her and us. Without them it would have been really hard. Their help was invaluable to us all.”

Who was Betty Heath?

Betty moved to Durley when she was 18 years old to work for a lady in Durley lodge. After she married Maurice, they moved into their cottage in Durley and she lived there for 76 years.

They never had any children, but she loved children and they loved her. Betty and Maurice were both very involved in the village of Durley.

In her words, Jayne Hughes, Betty’s great great niece wrote beautifully about Betty.

“My aunt was involved in everything to do with the village – WI, charity events, church choir, she rang the church bells up until very recently, organised village carnivals, senior Christmas meals, carol singing, village fetes and dances to name but a few.”

“She was a very trustworthy, likeable and loveable person. Everyone who met her would always say they were so glad they had. She was someone who always brought the best out in people. They called her the mother of Durley. She had a very wicked sense of humour and some very funny saying that we will never forget.”

Jayne at Fryern Funtasia raising fund for Marie Curie. (Top Left): Betty Heath. Betty donated all her wools and tools and she knitted some of these – now they are for sale in aid of Marie Curie.

Betty and her love for knitting

I was intrigued by the beautiful knitting at Jayne’s table yesterday. Jayne told me auntie Betty loved knitting, and she knitted for many occasions, especially for premature babies in hospitals. She would do booties and hats for them. Betty would also knit all sorts of jumpers, cardigans, booties, teddies for anyone who had a baby due in their family. Betty loved knitting for the family, and they would always send her a photo of their baby for her to see.

Betty Heath – who died aged 97 this year.

Right up until the week she passed away, every Monday, Betty would have all the girls round for a knitting club. They had been doing this for many years and she really looked forward to it every Monday afternoon. The girls’ names are Sylvia, Carol, Jean and Trish. They would always be working on something different and helping each other to do new knitting patterns.

“Just before she passed away, Betty donated all her wool and knitting and crafts that she had, so we could raise money for Marie Curie. The girls started raising money straight away with all the knitting and craft that Betty had donated. People are now continuing to add to craft and wool to keep the money coming in. It’s been amazing how much people are willing to give and help, as if she is still here coordinating it all to go on.”

By Jayne Hughes, great great niece of Betty Heath.

Future fundraising for Marie Curie

Jayne and her family will be doing a big fundraiser on Saturday May 31st from 12 to 4pm at Durley Memorial Hall to raise money for Marie Curie.

Jayne is also looking for helpers. If you would like to volunteer help for the day, donate any bric-a-brac, cakes for the cake stand or would be interested in having a stall, please contact Jayne Hughes.

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